Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe the Enchanted Forest Snowplay Area

Just above the town of Red River up Bobcat Pass is the Enchanted Forest. As you approach the top of the pass you’ll see signs that point you toward the forest into what looks like a neighborhood. Trust the signs and make the turn. Follow the main road up through the neighborhood and take your second left. You’ll then see the sign and entrance to the snowplay area. 

This area is for those who seek a slower pace, with peace and quiet around every turn.

Upon arriving in the parking lot you’ll see a sign that mention’s access to the “backcountry.” This way takes you venturing down forest service road 35007, where you’ll find yourself among tall trees with glorious views that peak around them. This area is known to be great for winter camping as well as off-trail XC skiing and snowshoeing. It can be easy to get lost if you stray off the road (where the trees are clear) so bring a map with you!

If you’re looking for something a bit more kept and have a few bucks to spend, head into the lodge and rent some snowshoes or cross county skis and explore the groomed trails. Even if you have your own gear, you can get a day pass to the trail system for $20. The Enchanted Forest offers around 30km of groomed ski trails, 18km of snowshoe trails, and 5km of groomed ski trails in which you can bring your dogs! And if you really do fall in love with the place, there are a few yurts in the forest you can rent from the lodge. They sleep 5-8 people and run anywhere from $75-$125 a night. They also offer guided tours of the area if you’re interested.

The groomed trails are known to be home to some famous regulars; the gentleman who started Backpacker magazine is a frequent to the area. The GM also described the trail system in the XC ski area as a destination spot in the states for the sport, being that there isn’t much like it in our country. The inspiration for the structure of how the trails are setup comes from European influence, with hills and turns that may actually scare you a bit on XC ski’s, but it’s all fun! 

This area is crawling with fabulous snowshoe and XC ski trails that will not disappoint.